About SoCal horse racing, Del Mar in particular

Tampa Bay Downs opinions for Saturday, Feb. 25

Preview: They were back on the turf on Friday. Leading rider Daniel Centeno won three time on Friday at short odds and keeps rolling along.

Race 4 – Tam
#7 Jagr (5-1) ****
Our Eyes: Trainer Anthony Margotta is 5-for-9 with first time starters and the sire of this 3-year-old is Uncle Mo, who wins 16% first time out. Works look OK and jockey Orlando Bocachica is 23% with Margotta. Seems like a wide open race.
Jeff’s Playbook: 4 units to win, 5 units to place and 6 units to show.

Race 6 – Tam
#6 Congrella (4-1) TURF ONLY ****
Our Eyes: Throw out that last race. This filly wants to run on the grass. Trainer Reid Nagle is 22% second off the layoff. This 4-year-old comes out of a race that has produced three next out winners from four starters.
Jeff’s Playbook: 4 units to win, 5 units to place and 6 units to show.

Race 7 – Tam
#2 Zia Josie (9-2) ****
Our Eyes: Another first-time starter from the Margotta barn and we’ve already said how good he is with firsters. Jose Ferrer rides and he is 19% with Margotta.
Jeff’s Playbook: 4 units to win, 5 units to place and 6 units to show.

Race 8 – Tam
#10 King of Diamonds (7-2) TURF ONLY ****
Our Eyes: Centeno rides back for trainer Arnaud Delacour. This gelding finished third last time out. Delacour is 22% second off the layoff.
Jeff’s Playbook: 4 units to win, 5 units to place and 6 units to show.